Milwaukee’s brand new Fiserv Forum extends well beyond the four walls of the $524 million arena, as the plaza outside the arena provides fans, visitors and locals with a number of year-round entertainment and dining options.
Whether you need a place to grab a beer with friends before the Foo Fighters concert or you’re even just looking for a new yoga spot, the plaza will host a number of events and activities that everyone can enjoy.
Take, for instance, MilROCKee, a free festival hosted Oct. 16-20 in honor of the several big-name shows coming to Fiserv Forum – Metallica, Foo Fighters, Twenty One Pilots and the Eagles, plus the Bucks opener – featuring live music and entertainment of the plaza's own, plus a 28-foot screen in the beer garden to watch sporting events. (And, the most important part of a beer garden, beer.)
Well after MilROCKee, however, there will be plenty of reasons to hit Fiserv Forum’s entertainment plaza – in fact, here are nine:
1. Cheer on your teams
Couldn’t get tickets to the big game? Worried about game day traffic and finding parking? Fear not, because Fiserv Forum’s plaza is the new place to cheer on the Packers, Brewers, Badgers and more.
With food, friends, the big screen and your beverage of choice, the plaza is the perfect spot to save on the price of admission and watch a variety of local and national sporting events.
Soccer fans on Thursday were able to enjoy the USA versus Columbia soccer match before international superstar J Balvin performed the first Latin show at Fiserv Forum.
2. A place to hang out before you enter the gates
If there is still an hour before gates open for the Bucks game and you need a spot to hang out, there is no better place to kill time than the plaza outside Fiserv Forum.
Conveniently located next to the arena’s beautiful atrium, you’re less than a minute away from the box office and gates for when it’s time to head to the game or show. Grab some drinks and close your tab when it’s time to head next door.
3. You can avoid the elements
If you want to enjoy the outdoors but still stay warm and dry, the plaza’s covered beer garden provide the best of both worlds.
The open floor plan and massive windows let in tons of natural light in the day and the outdoor heaters will help you escape the cold at night. And if you really want to avoid the elements, you’ll soon be able to head inside and sit down for dinner.
4. Beer!
(PHOTO: Matt Mueller)
If you couldn’t guess already, the plaza’s covered beer garden serves your favorites on tap.
Mayor Tom Barrett tapped the beer garden’s first keg last weekend at Oktoberfest, the plaza’s first official event, and that keg was just one of many that will follow throughout the years.
Whether you’re looking for a new place to get drinks or you’re from out-of-town and want to see what Brew City has to offer, the plaza is an excellent place to grab a beer with friends.
5. The big screen
Although it may pale in comparison to Fiserv Forum’s nearly 4,000-square-foot jumbotron, the largest equilateral scoreboard in the NBA, the plaza’s beer garden has a massive television to watch your favorite sporting events.
You’ll feel like you’re on the field or court yourself with how big the screen is, and you will have a much better view than a fan in the nosebleeds. Even if you aren’t the biggest sports fan, the big screen will certainly steal your attention.
6. Seasonal events
(PHOTO: Jimmy Carlton)
By hosting events all year long, you’ll have plenty of chances to enjoy the seasons at Fiserv Forum’s plaza. This past weekend fans celebrated German culture with Milwaukee’ Oktoberfest, but if you prefer a glass of hot spiced wine and present shopping over a nice brat and some polka, then pay a visit to the plaza from Nov. 17 to Dec. 31 for Christkindlmarket.
7. Get a bite to eat
The plaza isn’t only for those who love to drink, but it’s for those who love to eat as well.
As construction completes, there will be no excuse for an empty stomach outside Fiserv Forum. You’ll be able to stop by before a Bucks game or pay a visit during your lunch hour – either way, you can enjoy some great local food.
8. Punch Bowl Social and Good City Brewing
Although the plaza is already hosting great events, it’s still growing by the day. Coming soon to Fiserv Forum’s plaza is Punch Bowl Social and Milwaukee’s own Good City Brewing.
Punch Bowl Social is a Denver-based entertainment concept that will serve food and drinks to patrons, while also featuring bowling, karaoke, arcade games and more. Meanwhile, local favorite Good City Brewing is expanding from its gorgeous East Side property by adding a second location at the arena’s plaza that will feature a taproom and event space.
Both will certainly be a place to check out upon their openings in the near future.
9. Even more entertainment options
While all of the above are reasons to check out the new plaza, the fun doesn’t stop there.
Not only can you enjoy great food and drinks, and cheer on your favorite teams, but the nearly 30-acre plaza will also host yoga workouts, outdoor concerts, movies, food festivals, 3,500 square feet of retail space and more.
Even if reasons one through eight aren’t for you, it's truly only a matter of time until there's something at the plaza that will spark your interest.
